Chapter 102

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Dear readers,
Thank you so much for your insightful comments! As the love triangle reaches its boiling point, brace yourselves for a whirlwind of emotions and dramatic twists! I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Who do you think Maggie should choose? Your feedback is invaluable and truly inspiring. Keep those comments coming!

Marguerite paused at the bottom of the majestic steps to the grand entrance of The Pavilion. The twenty minute drive had allowed her some time to calm her nerves, yet the moment her carriage pulled by the front of the restaurant, her heart began a frantic rhythm. She was wearing one of Madame Le Veaux' dresses, not that she dressed up to impress Jacob, merely so she wouldn't look out of place in one of London's most fashionable establishments. Yet the exquisite dress, a blue silk evening gown embellished with golden embroidery on both the skirt and the bodice, felt like a gilded cage around her. It constricted her movements and whispered accusations of not belonging. Her feet felt heavy with a sudden self-consciousness as Marguerite ascended the lengthy steps to the grand facade of the restaurant, four imposing pillars flanking the entrance. It wasn't the grandeur that intimidated her, for the gaudy opulence of her own home could easily rival this. It was the quiet air of respectability radiating from this place, a quality that all the money in her thriving gambling club couldn't afford to buy.

A footman readily opened the polished oak door, revealing a large dining room with elaborate interior and glittering chandeliers. The air crackled with a hundred curious glances. Heads, adorned with sparkling jewels and feathered hats, turned in her direction, their eyes glittering with a mixture of amusement and disdain. Despite her luxurious dress, Marguerite felt like a sparrow in a room full of peacocks. A waiter approached, and with a forced smile, she followed him through the crowded dining room.

However, the knot of unease unraveled as her gaze met Jacob's across the room. The murmur of conversation fractured into unintelligible whispers. The clinking of silverware faded to a distant chime. He rose from his seat, the corner of his mouth quirked in a smile. When his gaze swept across her length, a delicious shiver danced across her skin. The heat spread, painting her cheeks a rosy flush. The way his unwavering gaze focused solely on her, making her the centerpiece in the glittering world of his, suddenly she no longer felt small and invisible. He made her feel beautiful, powerful, a queen in her own right...

A sliver of reason pierced through the intoxicating haze, reminding her of her initial purpose, to get the necklace back and bring closure to their forbidden affair. As she reached the table, she steeled herself, banishing any trace of emotion beneath a cool facade. His smile widened and he took her gloved hand, the heat of his touch seeping through the fabric and into her skin.

"Maggie." The sound of her name on his lips felt like a caress. A pleasant shiver rushed over her skin. Marguerite could feel covetous gaze from women across the room when he brushed his lips over her knuckles in practiced courtesy. She couldn't help a burst of triumph, a thrill that coursed through her.

A waiter appeared, holding out a chair for Marguerite. She lowered herself onto the chair while Jacob resumed his seat. She could feel his intense gaze on her as the plates were set on their table. He waited for the servers to withdraw before starting to speak, "I'm glad you came."

"I have no choice," She attempted an icy tone. His smile faltered and he brought his champagne glass to his mouth, taking a sip. Marguerite stared unblinkingly as his lips pressed against the delicate glass. She couldn't help remembering how they had felt against her own, smooth velvet fire, branding her, leaving an indelible imprint on her body and soul.

He set his glass on the table, his fingers remaining around the fragile stem. "You always have a choice, Maggie. You chose to come here."

Despite the warmth melting her insides, she scoffed, "What choice did I have when you refused to return my prized possession?" She paused when a sudden thought occurred to her. "Did you... did you purposely steal it?"

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